  |
|
|
|
A good quality rose bush has a healthy root system right from the start. Learn to recognize potential root problems and avoid purchasing a badly grown rose.
So far we have discussed the physical condition of the rose above ground. Now it's time to talk about the other half of the plant: the roots. Sometimes we tend to forget about the roots because they are hidden inside the container and later are hidden underground. This is a mistake. If the root system is not healthy and well developed, then the rose plant overall is going to be stunted and will not thrive. Basically, without a good root system, your plant doesn't have a leg to stand on! Check the RootsWhen you unpot your rose, the roots should be filling the container. Healthy roots are firm and white. Plants with discolored roots or roots that smell bad are to be avoided. Truly Container Grown or Bare Root?A plant that has only recently been potted up may have very few roots and the potting mix will fall away as a result. This is an indication that you are holding essentially a bare-root rose which will require some TLC after planting. Although not necessarily always life threatening, these skimpy-rooted roses will absolutely require extra care -- or you may lose them. So I do not think you should pay a premium price for one of these. In essence, you should pay the price you would pay for a bare root rose, not the price for container grown stock, since that is what you are getting. Pot Bound and Root BoundReject a rose bush with roots that are terribly crowded in the pot, so crowded that they form a hard and impenetrable solid mass, or have large roots growing in circles around the perimeter of the potting mix. This is what is called a pot bound or root bound plant. You can check the roots at the nursery before you buy the plant. A good nursery will not mind you doing it. They should be proud of the (good) quality of their plants. Don't Let Weeds Tag AlongThe other bad thing that can happen with container plants is importing weeds. A well grown rose will not have weeds or weed roots or weed seeds in the container with it. Nut sedge, oxalis, and other noxious weeds can be inadvertently introduced into your yard and garden by hitch hiking in on a container grown plant. Reject any rose with weeds in the potting mix. MORE ON BUYING ROSES:This article is part 5 of the How To Buy A Great Rose Series: ENJOY!All Flower Gardens Articles So Far Copyright 2006 Barbara Martin
The copyright of the article Buying Roses: Healthy Roots in Flower Gardens is owned by Barbara M. Martin. Permission to republish Buying Roses: Healthy Roots in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
